• Purfleet-based Ensignbus has ordered nine new MCW Metrobus Mk11 doubledeckers to be used on the London Regional Transport's Hornchurch services, won by the company recently.

The 73-seat, two-door vehicles will join Ensignbus' current 50-bus fleet in September, when the services begin.

Ensignbus, the operating offshoot of the Purfleet dealer of the same name, orginally wanted four new vehicles but, says managing director, Leon Daniels: "The Hornchurch success increased this to nine. The Metrobuses will incorporate many useful features for those who are elderly or infirm, including split-entrance, well-placed bell pushes and priority seating."